Volume 109 | Number 42 www.arkansas-catholic.org Arkansas NOVEMBER 21, 2020 Arkansas hospitals Bishop Taylor reacts putting emphasis on to Vatican report on ministry to employees eodore McCarrick CATHOLICCATHOLICTHE DIOCESE OF LITTLE ROCK WEEKLY NEWSPAPER PAGE 3 PAGE 3 NO MORE SNOW DAYS?
Catholic schools have learned how to make a quick switch to learning at home Page 3
O cial: No spread of COVID cases in Catholic churches a ‘stunning’ feat Gov. Asa Hutchinson is asking all congregations to follow the guidelines issued in May and updated in November to stop the spread of the coronavirus. e dio- cese was praised for how well its churches have prevented the spread of the virus. See page 9 Arkansas Catholic | November 21, 2020 2 | BRIEFS
RENOVATIONS Bishop Anthony B. Taylor blessed St. John Newman Uni- versity Parish in Jonesboro Nov. COMING EVENTS 15, after several long-overdue CHRISTMAS BAZAAR updates to the sanctuary. St. Paul School in Poca- Brandon Weisenfels, director hontas will have a “Stay At of Catholic Campus Ministry at Home Christmas Bazaar” Arkansas State University, has Nov. 23 through Dec. 6. at been working toward renova- stpaulbazaar.givesmart. tions for three years. After their com. Visitors can buy ra e original air conditioning unit tickets, bid on silent auction began leaking, an assessment items or make a donation. was completed and it was deter- Supporters can also text mined the ooring and ceiling stpaulbazaar to 76278 to needed to be replaced. e participate. building is 26 years old. “While we’re doing this (air conditioner replacement) let’s look at everything in the sanctu- BISHOP’S DATES ary and update everything,” Saturday, Nov. 21 Weisenfels said. ey set out to raise $300,000 4:30 p.m., Mass, Cathedral for renovations, after an insur- of St. Andrew, Little Rock ance claim of $62,000, Weisen- fels said. Monday, Nov. 23 Renovations began in De- 6 p.m., Mass with Mission- cember 2019 and were com- Dario Ponce ary Catechists of the Poor, pleted Nov. 14. e new features Bishop Anthony B. Taylor blesses the newly renovated sanctuary of St. John Newman University Parish in Jones- St. John Center, Little Rock include hardwood ooring at boro Nov. 15. The sanctuary received several updates including new ooring and donated statues and cruci x. the altar; carpet throughout the sanctuary, sacristy and confes- of the board of governors of the Father Luyet said many mem- VOLUNTEERING sional; a new ceiling and a com- Canon Law Society of America bers are laywomen and men. e Parishioners and friends of mercial AC unit; and new paint ON THE COVER e Canon Law Society pro- vice president/president-elect, Christ the King Church in Little on the walls. Looking out the window vides continuing education for who will become the president Rock volunteered Nov. 7 for A family donation from the canon lawyers through regional next year, is a laywoman from First Saturday Workday. Ser- to check for snow won’t trust of parishioner Bernard workshops and responds to re- Canada, Dr. Linda Robitaille. vice projects included putting mean quite the same thing “Mickey” Bridger, 74, who died quests from the Holy See and the “It is an honor to serve on together sack lunches for people for students of most Catho- Sept. 3, 2019, went toward new U.S. bishops for collaboration. the board of governors, but it is in need, supply packs for Jericho lic schools in Arkansas. The Joseph and Mary statues, a sus- e society works with authors also a responsibility to assist our Way and beautifying the garden schools’ ability to quickly pended cruci x and a back altar to publish books on canonical society to truly ful ll our mission and grounds. It was the rst of for the tabernacle. e parish switch to online learning topics and to produce webinars to serve the Church,” Father a monthly event the parish will did not previously have a cruci- means snow days are becom- and podcasts about Church law. Luyet said. host at the parish and in the x, but a risen Lord cross with a ing obsolete. See story, page 3. community. Shutterstock photo metal outline of Jesus. “Our goal is to have First “He was a very big supporter Saturday Workday opportuni- of the students,” often bringing ties out in the community as 18 years and older at St. eresa snacks for them, Weisenfels said. well as volunteer opportuni- received the free shots after two “(Bridger) and Father (Francis ties for those persons who are Sunday Masses. Several nurses, Madanu, the former pastor) had homebound so we are able to including Debbie Meiklejohn, a just talked about the need to x keep them connected to parish retired nurse who is trying to ex- the church the night he passed outreach,” parish life/outreach pand the parish nurse program away,” Weisenfels said. coordinator Teri Tribby said. in the diocese, volunteered for Another major donor also the u shot clinic. contributed to the renovations. FLU SHOT e parish has about 80 St. Vincent Health System NEW PRINCIPAL registered families and averages donated 1,000 u shots to ve Father Stephen Elser, pastor about 40 people at Mass, primar- parishes in central Arkansas. On of St. Paul Church in Pocahon- ily college students. Nov. 8 shots were administered tas, announced Nov. 12 that at St. Edward Church in Little St. Paul School principal Maria ELECTION Rock and Our Lady of Guada- Dickson will leave in May. She Father Greg Luyet, judicial lupe Church in Glenwood. On has been the principal since vicar for the Diocese of Little Nov. 15 shots were administered 2012. Rock and pastor of Our Lady of Malea Hargett at St. eresa Church in Little He thanked her for her ser- Good Counsel Church in Little Amanda Matkovic, a registered nurse and pre-postulant with the Rock and St. Mary and St. John vice and announced that assis- , was elected in October to Rock Daughters of Charity originally from Philadelphia, administers a free u churches in Hot Springs. tant principal Rebecca Steimel a three-year term as secretary shot Nov. 15 at St. Theresa Church in Little Rock. On Nov. 15, 150 parishioners will take over as principal.
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November 21, 2020 | Arkansas Catholic NEWS | 3 No snow days: Schools master pivot to virtual Comission: In pandemic, schools Keeping hope learned to switch to online learning while healing By Aprille Hanson Health care leaders Associate Editor talk with bishop CONWAY — About two years for annual meeting ago, Amber Tran, 16, woke up to a snowy morning in Conway. “My mom was like, ‘Hey, you By Aprille Hanson don’t have school today’ and my Associate Editor friends started calling me and we met up and we just hung out for While care and compassion are the rest of the day,” she said, re- hallmarks of health care facilities calling one of her favorite snow around the country, Catholic hos- day memories. pitals and health care institutions But thanks — or no thanks — have something more: prayer. to online learning, the snow day And in a global pandemic with a will be obsolete. deadly, ever-changing virus, par- “You won’t make memories ticipants agreed prayer and being on a snow day. Yeah, it’s sad,” said present in faith is important. Tran, a junior at St. Joseph School “We always have to remem- in Conway. ber that a huge part of that hope, “You know they probably are, that ministry of Jesus Christ, is just because with the technology that promise of his presence, of a that’s available and the di erent Aprille Hanson brighter future ahead of us,” said platforms that schools can use Junior Amber Tran, 16, a St. Joseph School student who is learning online this year, works on an assignment at Michael Millard, director of mis- now to have their classes online,” her home in Conway. Schools have learned how to make a quick transition to virtual classrooms. sion integration at CHI St. Vincent said eresa Hall, superintendent in Little Rock. “And even though of Catholic Schools regarding the about two snow days have been to count toward the 178 required adopter of cyber days, or “digital sometimes it's hard, we have to end of the traditional snow day. built into Central Arkansas’ Cath- instruction days by the Arkansas days.” If snowy weather popped continue to keep that in the fore- However, it does not mean the olic Schools calendar. e dio- Nonpublic School Accrediting up in the northwest, they’d nor- front, not only of our minds, but in magic of a snow day is necessar- cese allows schools throughout Association. In 2015, the dioc- mally have no instruction and the minds of our coworkers, in the ily lost. the state to decide if they need to esan Catholic Schools O ce re- instead go to school on a holiday, minds of our patients, that without “ at was something we had build in snow days. For the 2020- leased written guidelines for cy- like President’s Day, if the timing hope, things really look bleak.” discussed because they do want 21 school year, no snow days were ber days. worked out. If a second snow day e Healthcare Evangelization to play in the snow,” Hall said. built in. “Some of them were using a occurred, they’d switch to digital Commission, made up of Catholic “It would be di erent doing AMI While the change is linked to lot of technology, but some had learning. hospital leaders and health care (Alternative Methods of Instruc- the COVID-19 pandemic as vir- packets of work they would send Because online learning is in workers, met for its annual meet- tion) days, you don’t want some- tual learning is now the norm, home. When we did the cyber place — the school has 19 stu- ing via Zoom Nov. 10. At least 14 one sitting in front of a computer the idea for some sort of instruc- days, we were prepared for it if dents attending virtually this year health care representatives joined the entire time, the eight hours tion on a snow day began the there was a big chance for snow, — instruction on snow days will the meeting. e commission was or whatever … e hardest part 2013-14 school year with cyber giving them assignments for the be easier. formed in 2014, spearheaded by is with the little ones; you can’t days. In December through Feb- next day,” Hall said. “Whereas “I do think that’s a positive Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, to help do an AMI day all day. ere’s ruary that year, some schools now, they’re actually teaching thing that everyone is more used Catholic leaders stay connected more activities they might have had to close up to 13 days due to more curriculum.” to that now, especially since we and give them insight on how to to do, like go out and measure the snow and ice. e cyber day pi- St. Vincent de Paul principal had not had that regularly. e operate in the image of Christ. snow.” lot program was launched at 12 Alice Stautzenberger in Rog- “I think that networking, we In the past couple of years, schools for at-home instruction ers said the school was an early See Switch page 9 can support each other and in- spire each other to bring hope to others,” Bishop Taylor told Arkan- sas Catholic during the meeting. “Also when we've got the ethical Vatican report shows failures to investigate McCarrick religious directives and to just make sure that we're all on the Bishop Anthony B. Taylor is- chronicles not only the horror of penalty of dismissal from the abuse and related misconduct same page regarding policies and sued this statement Nov. 11 about McCarrick’s abuse of minors and clerical state. by a Catholic bishop, contact the decisions that are made in our the Vatican’s report on eodore young adults but also the mishan- Pope Francis also ordered Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting hospitals. It’s to be a support net- McCarrick, the former cardinal in dling of allegations by even such the investigation, the results of Service at ReportBishopAbuse. work for all of us, and we can all Washington, D.C. saintly persons as Pope John Paul which were released yesterday, org or call (800) 276-1562. learn from each other.” II and Pope Benedict XVI and of how such a person as Mr. Mc- e Diocese of Little Rock con- Bishop Taylor, Deacon Matt am grateful to Pope Francis for those that advised them, albeit Carrick could have risen to the tinues its commitment to keeping Glover, chancellor for canonical his commitment to bringing due in part to having received highest ranks within the Church, children safe. Anyone who has a airs, Dennis Lee, chancellor for healing to the victims of clergy faulty information from several including who had a hand in cov- been abused sexually by a priest administrative a airs, and dioc- sexual abuse and to prevent- now deceased New Jersey bish- ering up misdeeds of which they or representative of the Church esan bioethicist and commission Iing such cases from being mis- ops and the failure of Archbishop had knowledge and why allega- is encouraged to contact rst the chairman Father Jason Tyler also handled in the future, regardless Carlo Maria Viganò to investigate tions received previously were Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at attended the meeting. of the prominence of the accused when told to do so while working not taken seriously. In May 2019 (800) 482-5964 and then contact is year, the conversations perpetrator. in the Secretariat of State in the Pope Francis also promulgated Deacon Matthew Glover at (501) primarily revolved around how Yesterday we received con- Vatican and later mishandling the “Vos Estis Lux Mundi,” a papal de- 664-0340 ext. 361, or Laura Gott- hospitals are a ected by the CO- crete proof of his commitment case when he was papal nuncio to cree which introduced sweeping sponer, our victim assistance co- VID-19 virus. Chad Aduddell, CEO to transparency and to bringing the United States. changes in order to hold bishops ordinator at (501) 664-0340 ext. of CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock, the light of truth to bear on this When in 2017 Pope Francis accountable for sexual abuse or 425. said early in the pandemic the is- darkest of evils that have, in the rst became aware of a concrete covering up, making reporting We remain united in our pain sues facing hospitals were access case of ex-Cardinal eodore Mc- allegation against then-Cardinal obligatory for clerics and allow- and our support for all victims of to personal protective equipment, Carrick, reached even the high- McCarrick, he ordered a canoni- ing anyone to complain directly sexual abuse and pray for heal- testing, ventilators and treatments est echelons of the hierarchy in cal trial of McCarrick, which in to the Vatican, if needed. ing and reconciliation within our the Church. is 449-page report February 2019 resulted in the To report an incident of sexual Church. See Health page 4 Arkansas Catholic | November 21, 2020 4 | DIOCESE
Aduddell pointed out that Health while it’s an unprecedented pan- demic in our lifetime, sisters in the Continued from page 3 1800s responded to health crises like the antiviral drug remdesivir. to form health care communities. While those issues have for the Sister Anita DeSalvo, RSM, most part been resolved and doc- with missions at Mercy Hospital tors have a better understanding Northwest in Rogers, echoed that of the virus than in the spring, the point and explained how that call new challenge is employees. is what Catholic hospitals bring to “ e thing the public may not the pandemic of today. understand is we are experienc- “Most of our Catholic hospi- ing a severe sta ng shortage, tals stand on the shoulders of re- speci cally in nursing across the ligious congregation sisters that state, across the region, across have gone before us and have re- the country,” Aduddell said. “And sponded to epidemics, crises of all so many of our facilities, many of kinds, probably since the 1800s,” the people on this call today, have Sister Anita said. “What I think expressed that they have had to that we bring during this pan- reach out to agencies to bring in Arkansas Catholic screen capture demic is exactly that. It is that we what we call traveler nurses into Leaders from Catholic hospitals, including CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock, Mercy Hospital Northwest in Rogers are not just here to do health care the state from other parts of the and CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texarkana, Texas, meet via Zoom for the annual Healthcare Evange- for people. Most of our missions country, and several of our organi- lization Commission meeting Nov. 10, which included Bishop Anthony B. Taylor and diocesan o cials. are to bring to life the healing min- zations even work internationally istry of Jesus. And bringing to life and bring in international nurses lains, spending time on the units, compress. limit the spread. the healing ministry of Jesus is to to supplement our local nursing interacting, listening, praying with “As Catherine McAuley called “It is that fatigue level of it. ey reach out and be in relationship sta ng.” our coworkers, being available to it, ‘a comfortable cup of tea,’” a want to get back to restaurants with persons, not just their physi- He also pointed to the idea of them,” Millard said. “Just as much nod to Religious Sisters of Mercy and want to get back to life as nor- cal healing, but their spiritual “compassion fatigue,” which Mil- as the patients and their families founder, Catherine McAuley, Mil- mal. And that's just not the case” healing, their emotional healing.” lard shared earlier in the meeting. need and are calling for chaplains, lard said. e order founded the for now, he said. While many hospitals now al- “Just seeing a lot of really sick we're reminding our coworkers former St. Joseph Hospital in Hot Rounds said the key is striking low at least one visitor for patients, people, our caregivers are tired that they can call, that we will be Springs. a balance between the severity of some still cannot. Sister Anita and, unfortunately, we're seeing a there for them, day or night. ey Jason Rounds, president of the pandemic, but also con dence said it’s a ministry of supporting lot of COVID patients succumb to are our congregation. ey’re the CHRISTUS St. Michael Health in the care a hospital can provide. people and meeting them in their this disease and pass away,” Adud- ones that we minister to daily.” System in Texarkana, Texas, said “We're anticipating that this is loneliness. dell said. In a tangible way, CHI St. Vin- they’ve launched a chaplaincy far from over, for certainly the next “It is doing what Jesus did be- Millard said “being present” cent Hot Springs has started “com- program ministering directly to 90 to 120 to 160 days, and plan- fore us — treating people with with coworkers has been impor- passion rounds,” with a chaplain sta . But the biggest challenge is ning appropriately, but we are respect, treating them in their tant. and several nursing leaders taking outside the hospital, getting the struggling with making sure that human su ering, su ering with “Being very, very deliberate a tea cart to a unit under immense community to take the virus se- our community understands the them, providing for them what- about, particularly with the chap- stress, giving them a break to de- riously and follow guidelines to severity of the situation,” he said. ever they need,” she said.
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Chancery LISTEN NOW Secretary Arkansas Catholic interviews Catholic The Diocese of Little Rock seeks a full- newsmakers in time Chancery Secretary to provide ad- Arkansas to get Hearts ADULT PRO-LIFE for CONFERENCE Life ministrative support for the Chancellor answers on topics for Canonical Affairs. Competitive pay, that matter to you. excellent benefits. Requirements: Catho- Save the date: lic, secretarial/admin support experi- Available Now ence, work history as parish volunteer or Apple Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 employee, familiar with diocese and its Google Play Spotify 5-8:30 p.m. parishes and clergy, excellent computer The evening before the annual Mass for Life skills, ability to maintain confidentiality. Stitcher Fluency in English and Spanish pre- And ferred. For a job description or to apply Arkansas Catholic wherever All welcome to this free virtual event contact Paula Lattanzi, Human Resour- you nd Registration and more information will be available online in December, ces Specialist, at [email protected]. ASKS podcasts or call (501) 664-0340 ext. 326; email [email protected] November 21, 2020 | Arkansas Catholic OBITUARIES | 5
Linda Darline "Dinky" Connor Carolyn Hitchcock of Bella Vista Mary Frances Wolf, 91, a mem- two great-grandchildren. vived by one brother, Salvatore Cigainero, 80, and her husband, and Patty Sharp of De Queen; six ber of St. Edward Church in Tex- DeRosa of Charleston, S.C.; and Andrew "Andy" Flore Cigainero, grandchildren; ve great-grand- arkana, died Oct. 14. She is sur- Michael “Mike” J. Taraska, 97, a one sister, Regina DeRosa Taylor 87, members of St. Edward Church children; and one great-great vived by three sons, Gustave Wolf member of St. Bernard Church in of Charleston, S.C. in Texarkana, died Aug. 9 and Aug. grandchild. of Olathe, Kan., Norman Wolf of Bella Vista, died Oct. 23. He is sur- 12 respectively. ey are survived Hot Springs and Peter Wolf of Tex- vived by one sister, Josephine Noll Ronald Gene Humphrey, 77, a by three sons, Stephen A. Ci- Tommy Lynn Starr, 62, a mem- arkana; four daughters, Darlene of Coleman, Wis. member of St. Bernard Church in gainero and James P. Cigainero, ber of St. Paul the Apostle Church Redden of Texarkana, Deborah Bella Vista, died Oct. 31. He is sur- both of Texarkana, and omas in Pocahontas, died Sept. 8. He is Wolf of Winters, Calif., eresa Po Chester J. Kissel, 90, a mem- vived by his wife, Ingrid Greuling P. Cigainero of Texarkana, Texas; survived by his wife, Kathy Green of Hot Springs and Shirley Jaster of ber of St. Bernard Church in Bella Humphrey; three brothers, Gary one daughter, Bernadette Wooten Starr; one son, Jamie Starr; two Texarkana, Texas; 19 grandchil- Vista, died Oct. 27. ere are no Humphrey of Glen Haven, Colo., of Texarkana; 10 grandchildren; daughters, Amber Roberts and dren; and 26 great-grandchildren. immediate survivors. Richard Humphrey of Grand Ter- and six great-grandchildren. An- Nikki Starr; and nine grandchil- race, Calif., and David Humphrey drew Cigainero is survived by one dren. Lincoln Tanthaphengsai, in- Dr. Daniel William Earsa, 71, a of Martinez, Calif.; one sister, brother, David Cigainero of Tex- fant son of Joey and Uyen Tantha- member of St. Paul the Apostle Gayle Hamel of Puyallup, Wash.; arkana; and two sisters, Veronica Robert Eugene “Bob” Thiele- phengsai, members of St. Patrick Church in Pocahontas, died Oct. and two grandchildren. Colbert and Amelia Sinyard, both mier, 88, a member of St. John the Church in North Little Rock, died 30. He is survived by his wife, Pen- of Texarkana. Linda Cigainero Baptist Church at Engelberg, died Oct. 16. He is also survived by two nie Rebecca Pepper Earsa; three Boniface J. Pfei er, 92, a mem- is survived by one brother, Tom Sept. 23. He is survived by his wife, brothers, Carter Tanthaphengsai daughters, Selina Ripa of Mau- ber of St. Joseph Church in Paris, Conner of Emory, Texas. Mary Kathryn Walker ielemier; and Nixon Tanthaphengsai; his melle, Tracy Hosier of Jonesboro died Nov. 5. He is survived by his three sons, John ielemier of paternal grandparents, Simon and Tammy Lundry of Pocahon- wife, Rose Pfei er; three sons, Rick Mary L. Thielemier, 77, a mem- Fayetteville, Henry ielemier of and Betty Tanthaphengsai; and tas; one brother, Mark Earsa of Ce- Pfei er of Coal Hill, Steve Pfei er ber of St. John the Baptist Church Paragould and Philllip ielemier his maternal grandparents, Mao dar Rapids, Iowa; and ve grand- of Caulksville and Gary Pfei er of at Engelberg, died Aug. 12. She is of Pea Ridge; one brother, Rich- Nguyen and Huu Phung. children. Paris; one daughter, Diana Askins survived by one son, Bryan iele- ard William "Dick" ielemier of of Paris; ve grandchildren; and mier of Engelberg; two daughters, Engelberg; one sister, Wilma Wren Dorothy C. “Dottie” Massanelli, Linda Ann DeRosa Wood- 12 great-grandchildren. Sherry Treddell of Jonesboro and of Engelberg; six grandchildren; 86, a member of Our Lady of the ward, 77, and her husband Ret. Dana Hart of Bono; one brother, and one great-grandchild. Holy Souls Church in Little Rock Senior Master Sgt. James Robert Obituary policy: A funeral Bryan Smith of Leesville, La.; two and previously a member of St. “Woody” Woodward, 76, mem- home, parish or family may sub- sisters, Sherry Wren of Shreveport, Richard William "Dick" Thiele- Joseph Church in Pine Blu , died bers of St. Jude the Apostle Church mit an obituary. Information La., and Janie Gallion of Campti, mier, 91, a member of St. John the Oct. 20 in Fayetteville. She was in Jacksonville, died Oct. 30 and should include the person’s name, La.; ve grandchildren; and two Baptist Church at Engelberg, died the widow of the late Deacon Nov. 4 respectively. ey are sur- age, parish, date of death and list great-grandchildren. Oct. 10. He is survived by his wife, Tim Massanelli, who died Feb. vived by three daughters, Patricia of immediate survivors and their Sarah Louise roesch iele- 12, 2018. She is survived by three Sexton and Darlene Rains, both of hometowns. e publication date Jean Mary Sharp, 93, a mem- mier; two sons, Doug ielemier sons, Steve Massanelli of Little Sherwood, and Suzanne Bullard of the obituary cannot be guar- ber of St. Barbara Church in De and Eric ielemier; three daugh- Rock, Chip Massanelli of North of Maumelle; and three grandchil- anteed. ere is no fee to have an Queen, died Aug. 15. She is sur- ters, Sandy Burrow, Cindy Cox Little Rock and Randy Massanelli dren. James Woodward is survived obituary published. Obituaries vived by three sons, Mike Sharp and Jen ielemier; one sister, of Fayetteville; one brother, Bill by one brother, Paul Woodward of can be mailed to Malea Hargett, of Bonita Springs, Fla., Steve Wilma Wren; nine grandchildren; Walters of Memphis, Tenn.; one Downingtown, Pa.; and one sis- Editor, Arkansas Catholic, P.O. Box Sharp of De Queen and Bill Sharp nine great-grandchildren; and two sister, Linda Walker of Hot Springs ter, Janice Woodward of Hixson, 7417, Little Rock, AR 72217 or e- of Farmington; two daughters, great-great grandchildren. Village; seven grandchildren; and Tenn.; Linda Woodward is sur- mailed to [email protected].
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Catholic Schools at (501) 664-0340, Invest in the Future... Continue the One-quarter of this collection stays in the Diocese of Little Rock e-mail [email protected] or visit Tr adition! dolr.org/schools/scholarship-appeal to improve the lives of Arkansans. Please give November 21-22. For more information, contact Megan Moore at Catholic Charities Invest In the future ... ContInue the tradItIon of Arkansas, (501) 664-0340 ext. 379, or e-mail [email protected]. Arkansas Catholic | November 21, 2020 6 | LEFT PAGE
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To combat hunger in developing becoming malnourished. countries, Cross Catholic Outreach has What’s more, because Vitafood meals a simple but effective plan: shipping are donated to us by respected faith-based Vitafood. organizations, we only need to cover the This fortified rice product, specifically cost of shipping the meals to the hungry. designed to reverse the effects of child This means that for every dollar donated, malnutrition, can be packed in large about six nutritious meals can be sent to a shipping containers and cost-effectively community in need! sent to Catholic schools, orphanages “There are very few donations a person and other local partners serving the can make that achieve this much bang for poorest of the poor. A single container the buck,” Cavnar pointed out. “Of course, can make a big impact, keeping crucial supplying food is also a popular option for feeding programs running or providing donors because it addresses an important immediate relief when disasters strike. and basic human need. In that sense, a gift “We are currently asking donors to help of food can literally save lives.” us secure and ship this food to Catholic In recent months, the COVID-19 missions around the globe [see feature story pandemic has made this outreach even on opposite page], and I’m confident the more important to the poor, according to impact of our efforts will be incredible if Cavnar. we get that support,” said James Cavnar, “Problems related to the COVID-19 president of Cross Catholic Outreach, crisis have made malnutrition even more Cross Catholic Outreach and its U.S. benefactors are sponsoring food shipments to a Vatican-recognized charity serving deadly. Our goal is to support Church support Catholic feeding programs in developing countries. These life-saving food missionaries in the developing world. leaders as they work to save those lives distributions have become even more critical during the COVID-19 crisis. “Church leaders in these countries are eager and restore the health of the people,” he to help the poor in their communities, but said. “As I see it, this is our opportunity they need this resource to succeed. Our to be a blessed instrument of mercy. It steady supplies of food are critical to them, is our chance to further the work of the and in some cases, these meals save lives.” dedicated priests, nuns and Catholic lay According to Cavnar, Vitafood is an missionaries who are doing everything extremely flexible resource. It comes they can to respond to this threat.” in several different varieties and can Readers interested in supporting Cross be prepared with additional spices or Catholic Outreach food programs and ingredients to suit local tastes. No matter other outreaches to the poor can contribute how it is prepared, its nutritional value through the ministry brochure inserted in remains the same, providing the optimal this issue or send tax-deductible gifts to: balance of vitamins, minerals, protein, Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC01569, fiber, fat and carbohydrates for a hungry PO Box 97168, Washington DC 20090-7168. child’s body. This tried-and-tested The ministry has a special need for partners formula is suitable for more than just willing to make gifts on a monthly basis. Use severely malnourished children. These the inserted brochure to become a Cross meals are also important to the health Mission Partner or write “Monthly Mission and physical well-being of children and Partner” on mailed checks to be contacted adults who are healthy but at risk of about setting up those arrangements. Cross Catholic Outreach Endorsed by More Than 100 Bishops, Archbishops
Cross Catholic Outreach’s range of to supplying safe water and supporting Africa, Asia, Central and South America, concrete witness to Gospel Charity in relief work to help the poor overseas educational opportunities for the poorest and the Pacific. Through the generosity of collaboration with the Holy Father. continues to be recognized by a growing of the poor. The bishops have also been so many, the love of God is made visible “Your work with the Dicastery for number of Catholic leaders in the U.S. impressed by Cross Catholic Outreach’s to many who are coping with the most Promoting Integral Human Development and abroad. direct and meaningful response to difficult daily living conditions.” is a strong endorsement of your partnership “We’ve received more than 100 emergency situations, by providing In addition to praising Cross Catholic with the work of the Universal Church,” endorsements from bishops and food, medicines and other resources to Outreach’s accomplishments, many of the Archbishop Cordileone of San Francisco archbishops,” explained Jim Cavnar, partners in Haiti, El Salvador and areas bishops and archbishops are encouraged said. “By providing hope to the faithful president of Cross Catholic Outreach. of Belize impacted by natural disasters.” that Pontifical canonical status was overseas, by feeding the hungry, clothing “They’re moved by the fact that we’ve Archbishop Thomas Rodi of Mobile, conferred on the charity in September the naked, delivering medical relief to launched outreaches in almost 40 Alabama, supports this mission, writing, 2015, granting it approval as an official the sick and shelter to the homeless, countries and have undertaken a variety “It is a privilege for me to support Cross Catholic organization. This allows Cross and through self-help projects, you are of projects — everything from feeding Catholic Outreach. This organization funds Catholic Outreach to participate in the embodying the Papal Encyclical Deus the hungry and housing the homeless ministries to our neighbors in need in mission of the Church and to give a Caritas Est.” November 21, 2020 | Arkansas Catholic RIGHT PAGE | 7
PAID ADVERTISEMENT Poverty in Nicaragua Is Not ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’ for American Catholics Working to End Extreme Hunger
Driving on the paved Pan-American Highway, you may never notice the kind of life-threatening poverty Cross Catholic Outreach is trying to address. To see it, you will need to venture off the main road and go down one the branching dirt paths that extend into the rural countryside. “Travel one of those dirt roads, and before long you’ll encounter the signs of extreme Nicaraguan poverty — the flimsy shack homes, the painfully thin children in tattered clothes, the lack of water and electrical infrastructure we Americans consider a necessity. That poverty may be ‘out of sight, out of
“That poverty may be ‘out of sight, out of mind’ to some, but God and the Church are aware of it.”
James Cavnar, Cross Catholic Outreach
mind’ to some, but God and the Church are aware of it, and it is our goal to do something about it,” said James Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, a The poor in rural Nicaragua face extremely challenging conditions. Many live in major relief and development ministry patchwork shacks in remote areas. Hunger plagues their lives, but there is hope, thanks working in these impoverished areas. to Church missions and support provided by Cross Catholic Outreach. During the dry season, the small farming villages one passes on the dirt roads seem support their struggling families. Because food shipments into the country. Working like throwbacks to the Dust Bowl years future opportunities are being traded for together, we’re having a big impact [see in America’s past. The landscape is that daily meals, these children end up in a feature story on opposite page].” desolate. The poverty is that heartbreaking. desperate situation. Cavnar believes even more can be done But this is a poverty that’s less escapable “But there is hope now since the if Catholics in the United States remain than ours was. In fact, it has continued to Church is involved and working hard committed to the cause and support the plague generation after generation. to provide solutions,” Cavnar added. Church’s efforts financially. “Better weather doesn’t provide any Our partners support a vast network of “I’m optimistic my Catholic brothers solutions either. During rainy periods, the local institutions, including churches and and sisters here in the U.S. will be eager poverty endures. In those seasons, you parishes that create a supply line of food to help — now that they understand the will find the same impoverished children, in support of the priests, religious sisters hardships hunger creates and the lives but this time with muddy feet and faces,” and Catholic missions fighting hunger that are at stake,” he said. “Large or Cavnar said. “Yes, whatever the time of in the trenches. They know the people small, every gift they contribute will year, this poverty persists — and there is and have created programs to deliver the matter. That’s because every gift has never enough to eat.” food where it is needed most. We and our life-transforming potential, particularly That, he added, is why supplying daughters at risk of long-term mental donors fund food expenses and arrange for through programs that feed children.” nutritious food to Nicaragua’s poor has and physical disabilities, and it will also become a priority for local Church leaders, weaken their immune systems, an added Cross Catholic Outreach and many U.S. risk as we continue to struggle through How to Help donors. The focus on food is critical, the COVID-19 pandemic.” because when hunger becomes extreme, There is an educational impact as To fund Cross Catholic Outreach’s effort to help the poor it can produce terrible, long-term health well. When children reach school age, worldwide, use the postage-paid brochure inserted in this problems, especially for children. skipping breakfast becomes common, newspaper or mail your gift to Cross Catholic Outreach, “The local men and women work so they arrive for class with an empty Dept. AC01569, PO Box 97168, Washington DC 20090- hard, but most are struggling to feed stomach. After hours of studying math 7168. The brochure also includes instructions on becoming their families with the meager earnings and grammar, some have nothing for a Mission Partner and making a regular monthly donation they produce. As a result, their children lunch either. These hungry children to this cause. are often hungry — some even become struggle to concentrate in school and If you identify an aid project, 100% of the donation will be restricted to be used for that specific project. However, if more is raised for the project than needed, funds will be redirected to other malnourished — and that condition can often fall behind. Worse still, they may urgent needs in the ministry. be very dangerous. It puts their sons and be pulled out of school altogether to help Arkansas Catholic | November 21, 2020 8 |
Many thanks to these friends who have joined the Toys for Christmas Needed Guardian Angels to help Arkansas Catholic use Guardians technology to help Catholics stay connected to New toys for babies and children up to age 10: their Church. Memberships through Nov. 10 total Balls, board games, dolls, hair accessories, crafts, beads, books, building blocks, bicycles. for the $8,721, or 44% of the $20,000 goal for 2020. Future The Helping Hand Evangelists ($300+ per year) of Greater Little Rock • Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Bruning 501-372-4388 Cash donations welcome Mr. Marion D. Scroggins Marjorie Hunecker
Archangels ($120-299 per year) Eddy Peters, LUTCF – Agent Mr. and Mrs. Ray Smith 216 N. McKinley Mr. and Mrs. Billy May Matthew Reginelli, Agent Little Rock, AR 72205-3145 Mrs. Bennye H. Clemmons [email protected] 4715 Hwy 5 N Ste 1, Bryant, AR 72022 David and Evelyn Menz in honor P 501-664-1004 • F 501-664-1074 Bus: 501-847-4199 of Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert Toll Free: 800-621-1054 Anonymous member [email protected] State Farm, Bloomington, IL • 1211999 Angels ($60-119 per year) Mr. and Mrs. John Dc. and Mrs. Robert L. Hertzog Morris Mr. Richard Michael Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Put your ad here for only Bushkuhl Scott Needed: DIAPERS, 8-10 lb. size Anonymous member Mr. and Mrs. Michael $ In memory of Anna Lehr Hinze 8 A WEEK Acme Pest Management Mrs. Barbara Kearney Support pregnant women when you sign up for a year. Inc. Dr. and Mrs. James F. and the work of It’s easy to reach thousands of Catholics Mr. and Mrs. James L. Gehring every week. Call Arkansas Catholic, Koch Ms. Susan Schmitz 804 N. University Ave. • Little Rock (501) 664-0125, or e-mail [email protected]. Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Mr. and Mrs. S. P. 501-664-0097 1-800-550-4900 O’Banion Schwarz Maj. and Mrs. John F. Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson Bienvenu Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rev. Norbert Rappold Honzik Christ the King Catholic Church Bookstore 4000 No. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock • Jewelry • Devotionals • Rosaries Saints’ Medals • Holy Cards • So much more! No regular operating hours now due to COVID- Robert E. Tellez • 501-353-2901 19. Make an in-person shopping appointment or www.tellezlawfirm.com call for curbside pickup. Please contact the Compassionate Legal Counseling Join today: arkansas-catholic.org/contact/donate • POP Box 4869, LR 72217 church office at 225-6774 to inquire!
THE Arkansas Catholic Gift Subscriptions SPIRIT IS ALIVE Buy two, get one FREE The Holy Spirit is Give a print subscription to Arkansas Catholic, mailed with faith and with us in the Diocese love all year long. We’ll send a card to the recipients telling them of your gift of Little Rock. As a starting in December, and they’ll get their first issue soon after. Catholic community, we are led to small To be sure of delivery in time for Christmas, order your gifts by Dec. 14. For parishes that we can more information or free digital subscriptions, call (501) 664-0125 or visit ONE CHURCH help complete a much arkansas-catholic.org/subscriptions. This offer expires Dec. 31, 2020. needed project. UNITE ARKANSAS You can even start or renew your own subscription in this special offer. Send IN FAITH AND MISSION ONE CHURCH your order to: Arkansas Catholic Gift Subscriptions, P. O. Box 7869, Little UNITE ARKANSAS Rock AR 72217. 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City, State ______City, State ______Diocese of Little Rock ZIP Code ______ZIP Code ______To give or for more information: dolr.org/one-church #OneChurchArkansas www.arkansas-catholic.org/subscriptions November 21, 2020 | Arkansas Catholic DIOCESE | 9 State pushing church members to wear masks at all times Governor calls for “It doesn’t mean people are said. “ e opportunity to wor- not being careful,” the governor ship is of supreme importance for stricter guidelines said. “It simply means when you us. It allows us to come together have congregants together there as a community of faith, to nd after Halloween surge is a risk associated with it.” solidarity in our shared struggle e Diocese of Little Rock has against the face of this pandemic, By Malea Hargett followed the current state guide- but it also gives us a chance to be Editor lines since it reopened public strengthened by God himself. Masses in May. Bishop Anthony “It isn’t a question, ‘Do I want e state reported 3,381 Arkan- B. Taylor has required that every- to wear a mask or not?’ In the sans who contracted COVID-19 one wears a mask except for when practice of charity, in the prac- had attended a church service in clergy and a lector are proclaim- tice of justice, we need to be con- the previous two weeks. ing the readings. scious of other people, other peo- During his weekly press Maximum capacity was ini- ple who might be more vulnerable conference Nov. 10, Gov. Asa tially set at 25 percent when than we are. It is an opportunity to Hutchinson said Pulaski County, the state said large venues like practice those aspects of our faith with the state’s highest popula- churches could reopen, but in- that we profess.” tion, had the most cases in that creased to 66 percent in June. Dr. Sonny Tucker, executive di- category with 251 to 300 cases Outbreaks have been reported rector of the Arkansas State Bap- from May 3 to Oct. 4. More than inside Arkansas churches. In June, tist Convention, said taking safety 150 cases each were reported in First Pentecostal Church in North precautions shows “love for God Craighead, Pope, Benton and Little Rock reported 34 cases. and love for people.” Washington. During a service Nov. 8, hundreds Chai said the Diocese of Little No cases are known to have of members did not wear masks Rock’s requirements are an exam- been contracted within Catholic or stand 6 feet apart. A choir and ple for all churches in the state on churches in the state, Dr. Sandra band performed during the ser- how to have public worship while Chai, senior physician specialist vice. keeping members safe. at the Arkansas Department of During the governor’s press “ e Catholic diocese has Health who works with churches conference Nov. 10, Father Erik proven these practices make a dif- on their COVID-19 guidelines. Pohlmeier, pastor of Christ the ference,” she said. “Every Sunday “We are not aware of any trans- Arkansas Catholic screen capture King Church in Little Rock and the virus gets a boost in Arkansas mission in Catholic churches,” she Father Erik Pohlmeier, pastor of Christ the King Church in Little Rock, diocesan faith formation direc- in churches…. I am really grate- said as of Oct. 4. “ at remains a addresses the media Nov. 10 during Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s weekly press tor, was invited to speak about ful for the Cathoic diocese being stunning accomplishment.” conference at the state Capitol in Little Rock. the need for safety precautions in uniformed and rm about this. I As a result of the surge in cases churches. am really grateful for the bishop’s in the country and state, new “We have worn masks at all leadership and really grateful state guidelines were issued Nov. “It isn’t a question, ‘Do I want to wear a mask times in our churches since we for the positive example that the 10, encouraging everyone inside began in May and that has been Catholic diocese sets.” churches to wear a mask, espe- or not?’ In the practice of charity, in the a great bene t to us,” he said. Arkansas cases rose after Hal- cially while singing. Medical ex- practice of justice, we need to be conscious “We have been able to maintain loween and are expected to con- emptions are allowed. our distancing. We even created tinue to increase over anksgiv- Ministers and singers are also of other people, other people who might maps of our church, and we are ing, Christmas and New Year’s exempt if they are at least 12 feet grateful for extra volunteers who Eve if families gather unmasked from the congregation. Choirs be more vulnerable than we are. It is an have ushered people to their in each other’s homes and people and performances with wind in- opportunity to practice those aspects of our seats so they can sit at a distance attend parties, state health secre- struments are discouraged. from other people … We have tary Dr. Jose Romero said. “Masks need to be worn at all faith that we profess.” also maintained wearing masks Northwest Arkansas has the times by all congregants, except while singing, having only a can- most cases in the state, followed those who are under ADH guide- Father Erik Pohlmeier tor leading the singing, standing by Northeast Arkansas and Cen- lines,” the guidelines stated. behind Plexiglas to minimize the tral Arkansas. Each family group — whether spread.” “ e numbers aren’t good,” the service is indoors or outdoors governance and how they handle “Unmasked congregational He said it will take persever- Hutchinson said. “ e trend isn’t — should be at least 6 feet apart. things, but we do provide guide- singing,” even if they were dis- ance for churches to remain faith- good. We have a lot of work to do “We respect the separation of lines and we ask them to take into tanced, was blamed as the pri- ful to the precaution. in Arkansas and across the state, church and state; they make their consideration from a public health mary reason for the spread in “In times of crisis we want to and we are in for a very challeng- decisions based on their own standpoint,” the governor said. churches, Chai said. rely on our faith even more,” he ing time.”
being with my friends. I miss my to add a day in May and June.” Immaculate Conception School neat to have the option to pivot Switch teachers too, seeing their faces.” Kristi Stevens, a kindergarten — are all virtual learning. back and forth.” Edward Dodge, a teacher at teacher at Immaculate Concep- “I think the major cons would She said educators have to be Continued from page 3 Catholic High School for Boys in tion School in Fort Smith, took be the excitement of waking up mindful of the parents’ schedules last time we had one, it was a very Little Rock, has about 10 out of this year o because of health and having snow and getting the when switching to virtual learning big deal to switch to (a digital day), 120 students opting for full virtual reasons. Her four sons — an day o ,” she said. “As far as the instead of a snow day. it caused some anxiety with some learning. Two out of his three sons eighth-grade student at Trinity continuity of learning, it’s nice not “If you still have to go to work families,” she said. “... Because are also virtual learning. Junior High and in sixth and sec- to have them … especially with and your kids have to complete they’ve had to, I do think it’d be a “If I’m being honest, I’m greedy ond grades and kindergarten at kids that are struggling. I think it’s school work, that is a challenge. lot easier to switch.” for time with my students. So I almost feel it’s not fair to expect Tran and Mount St. Mary Acad- while I recognize a day o in the all kids to have the same home emy junior Macy Ramiro, 17, are middle of the week can be a fun “If I’m being honest, I’m greedy for time with life and a full day of instruction,” both doing fully online learning surprise, I also appreciate that we in place of a snow day, Stevens this year. can continue to deliver instruc- my students. So while I recognize a day o in said. “As long as teachers and ad- “A positive is that sometimes tion,” he said of no more snow ministrators were exible with you’re asynchronous, so you do days. “Now it doesn’t have to be the middle of the week can be a fun surprise, their expectations of what kids things on your own time. But a video session. It doesn’t have I also appreciate that we can continue to could complete independently when you do things on your own to be video conferencing. I can and knowing their home situation time you can get distracted really, adjust it to the parameters of the deliver instruction.” — an older brother may be watch- really easily,” Ramiro said. day. Especially as a teacher in Ar- ing the younger ones — adjust Tran agreed, but added, “I like kansas, I’d rather not lose that day Edward Dodge, parent and a teacher at Catholic High School your expectations for what the day virtual a lot, but I miss my friends, in January or February and have would be.” Arkansas Catholic | November 21, 2020 10 | WORLD Priest- orist: Seasonal, simple and local best Vatican closes Mums appropriate prayer that also add beauty, life, color and scent to a church, he museums after because they are said. When commemorating the colorful, in season dead in a church, he said, it is ap- cases mount propriate to place owers at the VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In altar and at the foot of the cross, General audiences November, when many Chris- "the place of Christ's martyrdom, livestreamed only tians say special prayers for their but also a sign of hope for us be- deceased loved ones, chrysanthe- cause there is always the Resur- VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As mums are the owers seen most rection." COVID-19-related deaths in Italy often in Italian churches and on Usually, the choice of ower reached their highest daily level Italian graves. has less to do with its symbolism since early May and Italy began A chrysanthemum is liturgi- and more to do with its availabil- enacting new restrictions to slow cally appropriate, Father Danilo ity in a certain area at a speci c the spread, the Vatican decided Priori said, not because it has time of year, he said. " e Chris- it will once again close its muse- an inherent symbolic value, but tian choice is something seasonal ums to the public. e Vatican because it is plentiful in Novem- and local," because of its lower Museums, the necropolis tours ber, it comes in many colors and, cost and its connection to the and the museum of the ponti cal even when used as cut owers, it place. villas at Castel Gandolfo, south of is long lasting, which is a sign of Father Priori said attention to Rome, will be closed to the public "our lasting prayers." the owers in a church and their Nov. 5-Dec. 3 "as a precautionary Father Priori, pastor of Rome's placement is part of a whole ef- measure," a Vatican communique St. Martin Parish, teaches a bi- fort to ensure the beauty and har- said Nov. 4. Pope Francis' weekly monthly course on arranging mony of the liturgy is seen and general audience also returned owers for churches. He earned a heard. to being livestreamed from the li- diploma from the Italian orists' e Bible is full of references brary of the Apostolic Palace Nov. association and has studied with to owers, plants and trees, he 4 after taking place with the public the Pious Disciples of the Divine said. " ere are some passages CNS / Paul Haring present since Sept. 2. Someone at- Master, a women's religious order like 'the lilies of the eld' in the tending the general audience Oct. known throughout Italy for litur- A chrysanthemum is seen at a ower shop in Rome Nov. 5. Chrysanthe- Gospel that come to mind eas- mums are the owers seen most often in Italian churches and on Italian 21 tested positive for COVID-19, gical art. ily — how they are clothed in and the Vatican announced that graves during the month of November. In an interview Nov. 3 with majesty, beauty, splendor and beginning Nov. 4, the audiences Vatican News, the priest said the purity." would be livestreamed without therefore, avoid large composi- would be to help people in di - rst and most important rule of By teaching the course, he visitors present to prevent "any tions and spending a lot of money culty." arranging owers for a church added, "I'm giving some biblical possible future risks to the health because the rst objective always Flowers are an o ering of is: "You must avoid waste and, and liturgical formation." of the participants."
Let’s help Calvary Cemetery Pilgrimage Welcome Spring with thousands Altötting (Heather Cowper) blossom! of da odils covering the of a Lifetime cemetery in a living memorial. Experience the For a minimum donation of world-famous Passion Play $10, we will plant a group of ve da odils on a grave of your Lucerne Chapel Bridge (Dennis Jarvis) in Oberammergau, Germany, choice. Proceeds will support rescheduled from 2020 upkeep of the cemetery grounds. June 13-23, 2022 (Five-bulb groups cannot be split.) with Father Erik Pohlmeier, diocesan faith formation director and theological consultant for Arkansas Catholic. June 22–July 2, 2022 with Father William Burmester, pastor in Oberammergau (Kienberger) Texarkana, Camden and Magnolia.
Join Arkansas Catholic for an 11-day pilgrimage to holy sites in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. $3939 per My donation is enclosed to support Calvary Cemetery and plant da odils person, double occupancy (airfare not included in price at this on the graves of those whose name is noted below. time) • Daily Mass • Includes lodging, breakfast and dinner Donor name: ______daily and entrance fees to scheduled sites • Tips, beverages and Address: ______insurance also not included • A $600 deposit is required at the Cafes, Innsbruck (Tim Sackton) City, State, ZIP: ______Phone: ______time of registration • Final payment is due by Feb. 28, 2022. Number of bulb groupings: ______Amount enclosed: $ _____ For details or reservations, Name on grave: ______Year of death: ______Name on grave: ______Year of death: ______contact Kathy Primm at Sue Smith Vacations, (Additional names may be enclosed on a separate sheet of paper.) (501) 771-0987 or [email protected] Clip and mail with your check, to: Calvary Cemetery, Diocese of Little or visit suesmithvacations.com Rock, P.O. Box 7565, Little Rock AR 72217-7565 Einsiedeln Abbey (Mark Longair) Information: Tricia Gentry, (501) 664-0340, ext. 418, [email protected] November 21, 2020 | Arkansas Catholic SEEDS OF FAITH | 11
It compares us today, individually and collectively, to the priest and the scribe in that parable who ... walk past the one who is poor, beaten, bleeding and in need of help. FRATELLI TUTTI Pope Francis points to abuse of poor in present political, social systems
By Father Ronald Rolheiser, OMI
n Oct. 4, the feast of St. the ttest. And while the situation Francis of Assisi, Pope Fran- is broken for everyone, the poor cis released a new encycli- are ending up su ering the most. cal titled Fratelli Tutti, “On e rich are getting richer, OFraternity and Social Friendship.” the powerful are getting more It can appear a rather depressing powerful and the poor are grow- read because of its searing real- ing poorer and losing what little ism, except it plays the long game power they had. ere’s an ever- of Christian hope. increasing inequality of wealth Fratelli Tutti lays out reasons and power between the rich and why there’s so much injustice, the poor and our world is becom- inequality and community break- ing ever more calloused vis-à-vis down in our world and how in the situation of the poor. Inequal- faith and love these might be ad- ity is now accepted as normal dressed. e intent here is not to and as moral and indeed is often give a synopsis of the encyclical, justi ed in the name of God and other than to say it’s courageous religion. e poor are becoming and speaks truth to power. Rather disposable: “Some parts of our the intent is to highlight a number human family, it appears, can be of special challenges within the readily sacri ced for the sake of encyclical. others. Wealth has increased, but CNS / Gene Plaisted, The Crosiers First, it challenges us to see the together with inequality.” The 2,000-year-old parable of the good Samaritan is the anchor of the encyclical “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and poor and to see what our present In speaking of inequality, the Social Friendship.” political, economic and social encyclical twice highlights that systems are doing to them. Look- this inequality is true of women in that parable who for religious, and religious ethos of our society animosity, we must be tender and ing at our world, the encyclical worldwide: “It is unacceptable social and political reasons walk that helps spawn that blindness. gracious, always speaking out of submits that in many ways it is a that some have fewer rights by past the one who is poor, beaten, e encyclical goes on to warn love and not out of hatred: “Kind- broken world and it names some virtue of being women.” bleeding and in need of help. that in the face of globalization ness ought to be cultivated; it is reasons for this: the globalization e encyclical employs the Our indi erence and our reli- we must resist becoming nation- no super cial bourgeois virtue.” of self-interest, the globalization parable of the Good Samaritan as gious failure, like that of the priest alistic and tribal, taking care of e encyclical acknowledges of super ciality and the abuse of its ground metaphor. It compares and the scribe in the parable, is our own and demonizing what’s how di cult and counter-cultural social media, among other things. us today, individually and collec- rooted both in a personal moral foreign. It goes on to say that in is has made for the survival of tively, to the priest and the scribe blindness as well as in the social a time of bitterness, hatred and See Fratelli page 13
UNDERSTANDING OUR CHURCH Placing ourselves in biblical stories can helps us grow in awareness ne of the many facets of Ig- If you were a devout sins that he died for, or experienced all the emotions of great price. natian prayer, developed by Israelite and happened and I am indeed one of the father? “Again, the kingdom of heaven St. Ignatius of Loyola, in- to be in Jerusalem on a the guilty. is is an ex- In the parable about the good is like a merchant searching for cludes the practice of plac- particular Friday morn- ample of how our insight Samaritan I would like to think I ne pearls. When he nds a pearl Oing oneself in Scripture to become ing would you follow the can change as we grow would help the bleeding, helpless of great price, he goes and sells all a part of the biblical scene, in or- crowd to nd out what in years and spiritual Samaritan, but I am a rule fol- that he has and buys it.” (Matthew der to draw some practical appli- they were so noisy about? maturity. lower. e priest and the Levite 13:45-46) cations for present life. Knowing what you know e purpose of the who passed by this man would Is God the pearl of great price, Using this method of prayer we now would you be hon- prayer exercise is to be not risk becoming unclean — they or are we? e answer is yes. When can picture ourselves in the crowd est with yourself about PAULA honest with ourselves were following the strict rule of law we nd God in our life and realize that Jesus is speaking to and ask- how you felt about what STANDRIDGE and to grow in self- for their role in the Israelite com- his ultimate worth, we will work ing ourselves how we would re- was happening, or would knowledge and aware- munity. Would mercy triumph every day to retain our relation- act or what we would think about you automatically always ness and to see what over following the rules? I want to ship with him. Imagining our- what Jesus is teaching or doing. fall on the “right” side of the situ- application can be made to our think so, but what about safety, es- selves as the pearl helps us to re- We can also imagine ourselves as ation? present life. Otherwise we are pecially in these times? member how precious we are to one of the main characters in the I remember as a young girl simply engaging in a time ma- Lest we get discouraged and Jesus, especially in prayer. scene, someone in Jesus’ parables when the Passion was being read chine exercise and missing the think only of all the things we or as Jesus. at Mass I would never say the part point. have to work on and ways we Paula Standridge is a member of To place oneself in the biblical “Crucify him!, Crucify him!” be- We may picture ourselves as are still de cient in our spiritual St. John the Baptist Church in Hot setting we try to imagine what we cause I loved Jesus too much and one of the characters in Jesus’ life, it helps to also think of our- Springs. In 2012, she completed might see and hear and what oth- would have never said that. parables. It is easy to imagine be- selves as the one lost sheep that the diaconate formation training ers might be doing, as well as our- As an adult I joined in the ing the prodigal son but have we the shepherd goes to nd, or of with her husband, Deacon Robert selves. chant, because I know it was my ever felt or acted like the brother my favorite analogy: e pearl of Standridge. Arkansas Catholic | November 21, 2020 12 | SEEDS OF FAITH YOUTHSPEAK What are you giving KIDS’ CHRONICLE thanks for this year? Responses are from eighth-grade con rmation class stu- Jesus describes how people will be judged dents at St. Patrick Church in North Little Rock. Sister Anna By Jennifer Ficcaglia Tram Nguyen, FMSR, is their teacher. Catholic News Service
esus had just told his apostles “I give thanks for the closeness I have some parables to remind them gotten with my family during the to always be prepared for his return at the end of the age. pandemic. I especially enjoyed movie JAfter he was done, Jesus ex- times and playing cards together. plained what would happen upon his return. “When the Son of Man The time that we spent together comes in his glory, and all the an- helped me understand more about gels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the na- their feelings and where I stand in tions will be assembled before their heart. I wish God will keep him,” Jesus said. Hung Hoang Minh He explained that he would everyone safe and that God will end Nguyen, age 13 separate everyone into two groups, this pandemic soon, so we can go much like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats in his ock. and share love for each other.” Jesus said he would place the righteous people — the sheep — on his right. “I’m grateful for being closer to God “Come, you who are blessed this year. It has been hard to be a by my Father,” Jesus said he would ers of mine, you did for me,” Jesus “Lord, when did we see you tell the righteous. “Inherit the said he would tell the righteous. hungry or thirsty or a stranger or Catholic these days because I was kingdom prepared for you from en Jesus said he would turn naked or ill or in prison, and not born in Gen-Z, so there’s so much the foundation of the world. For to the unrighteous people — the minister to your needs?” he said I was hungry and you gave me goats — whom he had placed on the unrighteous would ask. depression and disbelief in God. food, I was thirsty and you gave his left. Jesus said he would remind Engaging myself in reading the Bible me drink, a stranger and “Depart from me, you them that what they did not do for you welcomed me, na- READ MORE accursed, into the eter- one of the least ones they did not brings me closer to God and through ked and you clothed me, ABOUT IT IN nal re prepared for the do for him. the grace of God, I was able to perse- ill and you cared for me, MATTHEW 25 devil and his angels,” Je- “And these will go o to eternal Thanh Pham Le, in prison and you visited sus said he would tell the punishment, but the righteous to age 14 vere over the pandemic. For this, I’m m e .” unrighteous. “For I was eternal life,” he said. Jesus said that the righteous hungry and you gave me no food, very happy and grateful.” people would wonder when they I was thirsty and you gave me no Q&A had seen Jesus in need and had drink, a stranger and you gave me 1. How will people be separated “One thing to give thanks for this taken care of him. no welcome, naked and you gave for judgment? “Amen, I say to you, whatever me no clothing, ill and in prison, 2. Where will the righteous and year is my health and my family’s you did for one of the least broth- and you did not care for me.” unrighteous go? health. I thought COVID-19 would go away, but when I learned and SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS A PUZZLE FOR YOU heard that it was spreading, I started St. John of the Cross was born position and was imprisoned for Fill in the blanks in the getting worried. I feared that my Juan de Yepes de Alvarez in nine months in a monastery cell. sentences about goats and Spain in 1542. He entered a That’s when he began writing sheep. family members would get sick, and Carmelite monastery in 1563 and poetry. “The Dark Night of the 1. Your ______must be a eventually lose them. They told me Amanda Le, age 14 was ordained a priest in 1567. Soul” is his most famous work. year-old male and without we all just have to be cautious. For He thought the Carmelites were After his death in 1591, he was blemish. You may take it months now my family hasn’t gotten too lax, so he joined with St. Te- recognized as cofounder of the from either the sheep or sick, and I’m happy they didn’t.” resa of Avila to reform the order. Discalced Carmelites. We remem- the goats. (Exodus 12:5) ber him on Dec. 14. John encountered severe op- 2. Go to the ock and get “I’m thankful for the sunrise and me two choice young sunsets each day, knowing that I BIBLE ACCENT goats so that with these I might prepare a dish for am alive in God’s presence. Sunrises There are many places in the named Lazarus who had a bad your ______. (Genesis 27:9) are God’s embraces and hopes that Bible that talk about things that life. When Lazarus died, angels 3. King Solomon o ered as have been separated. carried him to the bosom of dispel the fear and hopelessness of sacri ce 22,000 thousand Abraham, where he was comfort- what I have to face each morning For example, in Genesis 1:6-8, we oxen and ______sheep. (2 ed. When the rich man died, he at home and at school, especially read that when God was creat- Chronicles 7:5) ing the world, he made a dome went to the netherworld, where 4. Abel became a herder of Anh Do, age 14 during the months of quarantine. in the middle of the waters to he was in torment. When the rich ocks, and Cain a ______Sunsets have been the reminders separate one body of water from man asked for Lazarus to bring of the ground. (Genesis 4:2) that God always gives me another the other. him water, Abraham replied that a great chasm separated the two
chance to re ect my shortcomings And in Luke 16:19-31, we read sides so no one from the nether- tiller 4. 120,000;
and better myself.” the parable of a rich man who world could cross. 3. father; 2. lamb; 1. Answers: had a good life and a poor man November 21, 2020 | Arkansas Catholic SEEDS OF FAITH | 13 CATHOLIC CROSSWORD QUESTION CORNER Did the Church change the Sabbath day? Q. Is it true that the chronologically every one decade of the rosary. And my Church changed the day week; for Christians its sister-in-law, who is an extraor- of the Sabbath? I have ceremonial observance dinary minister of holy Commu- always felt that the Sab- replaces that of the Sab- nion, often brings me holy Com- bath occurred on Satur- bath. In Christ’s Pass- munion. day, but I have learned over, Sunday ful lls the My husband was a popular can- that the early Church spiritual truth of the tor at several di erent churches; decided to celebrate the Jewish sabbath and an- being present at Mass reminds me breaking of bread on nounces man’s eternal of him in the hardest ways imag- Sunday because that was FATHER KEN rest in God.” (no. 2175) inable and seems more than I can the day of Christ’s resur- DOYLE e catechism’s fol- handle. rection. lowing section goes on So my question is this: Is it still to say that “the celebra- a sin if I do not attend Mass physi- A. Technically, it is not true that tion of Sunday observes the moral cally? A friend told me it’s not a the Christian Church changed the commandment inscribed by na- mortal sin to miss Mass after the Sabbath day. e Sabbath is still ture in the human heart to render age of 65. on Saturday (or, more properly, to God an outward, visible, public from sundown on Friday), mark- and regular worship.” (no. 2176) A. Be at peace. In your situa- ing the fact that God rested from tion, you are not committing a creation on the seventh day. Q. My beloved husband of 35 mortal sin — or any sin at all — In the very earliest days of years passed away two years ago, by not going to Mass. Your emo- Christianity, believers — who and I have had great di culty at- tional condition, which is as real ACROSS 57. Incinerates 27. “He is seated at the right 1. Close 58. “Regina ___” ___ of the Father.” were mainly Jewish — observed tending Mass since his death — it as any physical illness, exempts 5. Cyberauction site 59. “I will ___ no evil for 28. Islamic chie ain the seventh-day Sabbath with invariably causes me to feel light- you from the obligation to attend. 9. Hicks you are with me.” (Psalms 29. Foretell prayer and rest; but very quickly headed and to cry. I have usu- And your regular habit of per- 14. South American Indian 23:4) 30. Heroic (as Colossians 2:16 shows) Chris- ally had to sit down for the entire sonal prayer is surely pleasing to 15. Underground mammal 60. Metal containers 31. Book containing calendar tians began to see this as no more Mass, so as not to get dizzy. the Lord. 16. Make real 61. Shenanigan of Masses My husband and I (we had no I do want to comment, though, 17. Pop classic 62. Urbi et ___ 32. Demeanor obligatory than Jewish rules on 18. Cellar (abbr.) 63. Otherwise 34. Steps for scaling a fence food and drink. e followers of children) always went to Mass on your friend’s contention that 19. From that time 64. Frisbees, say 35. East coast engineering Jesus gathered instead to break together, and it was the highlight the obligation of Sunday Mass 20. “… as we forgive those 65. Pear sch. the bread of the Eucharist on the of our weekend. I am 68 years ceases at age 65; that is simply not who ___ …” 66. Stains 38. “… one, holy, ___ and rst day of the week (Acts 20:7) — old, and I often watch Sunday true. If a person’s health enables 22. Constrict apostolic …” the day on which Jesus, complet- Mass on television — although him or her to be present, the re- 23. Socks DOWN 40. Compound tissue in even the television Mass lls me sponsibility of Sunday Mass atten- 24. ___ of the Mohawks 1. A non-coveting com- vascular plants ing a New Covenant, had made 25. Annoy by persistent mandment 42. “___ have mercy” sacred by rising from the dead. with memories and causes me to dance continues. fault nding 2. Diciembre follower 43. Some codes e Catechism of the Catholic weep. 26. Cupboards 3. Pains 46. Articles of clothing or Church explains the relationship Every day now, I listen to a ser- Mail questions to Father Ken Doyle 30. Payment due letters 4. Dried grape bones of saints between Sunday and the Sabbath: mon on my iPhone, and I read my at 40 Hopewell St., Albany, NY 33. Partner of Damian 5. Restriction on commerce 48. Went along the lines “Sunday is expressly distinguished Bible and pray to the saints daily. 12208 or e-mail askfatherdoyle@ 36. Sanctuary ___ 6. Domineering 50. Middle Easterners 37. Catholic horror actor 7. Charity 51. Where Vatican City is from the Sabbath which it follows Each night, before I go to bed, I say gmail.com. 39. Carol contraction 8. Nevertheless 52. Perfume the altar 40. City in Ohio 9. Outcome 53. Biblical animals 41. Notion 10. Clown ride 54. Preparatory sch. 42. ___ of the Sacred Heart 11. Financial institution 55. Wife of a rajah today called to work not only for lapse here is a mosquito bite, 44. A parish position (abbr.) 12. “___ homo” 56. Tools of trade for Peter Fratelli the abolition of the death penalty, a small thing, which shouldn’t 45. Regulate 13. Mob follower? and Andrew legal or illegal, in all its forms, but detract from a big thing, namely, Continued from page 11 47. Maximum (abbr.) 21. Mass sign 57. King mackerel also to work for the improvement a very prophetic encyclical which 49. In this place 22. ere were 3 popes with 59. Watch pocket 50. United States this name in the 20th it is today to sacri ce our own of prison conditions.” has justice and the poor at its 54. Catholic actor-governor century agenda, comfort and freedom As for war: “We can no lon- heart. Schwarzenegger 24. Capital of Tibet for community, but invites us to ger think of war as a solution, make that sacri ce: “I would like because its risks will probably Father Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, a especially to mention solidarity always be greater than its sup- member of the Missionary Oblates WORDSEARCH • ST. THOMAS MORE which is a moral virtue and social posed bene ts. In view of this, it is of Mary Immaculate, is president of attitude born of personal conver- very di cult nowadays to invoke the Oblate School of Theology in sion.” the rational criteria elaborated in San Antonio. He is an international- At one point, the encyclical earlier centuries to speak of the ly known lecturer and writer and his gives a very explicit (and far- possibility of a ‘just war.’” weekly column is printed in more reaching) challenge. It e encyclical has than 90 newspapers worldwide. states unequivocally And drawn strong criticism Visit his website at ronrolheiser. (with full ecclesial from some women’s com. weight) that Chris- while the groups who label it tians must oppose and “sexist,” though this reject capital punish- situation is criticism is based ment and take a stand almost exclusively on against war: “St. John broken for the encyclical’s title Paul II stated clearly everyone, and on the fact that it ANSWERS and rmly that the never makes reference death penalty is inad- the poor to any women authors. equate from a moral ere’s some fairness, I standpoint and no lon- are ending submit, in the criticism ger necessary from that up su ering regarding the choice of penal justice. ere of title. e title, while can be no stepping the most. beautiful in an old back from this posi- classical language, is tion. Today we state in the end masculine. clearly that ‘the death penalty is at should be forgivable; except inadmissible’ and the Church is I lived long enough in Rome to rmly committed to calling for its know that its frequent insensitiv- abolition worldwide. All Chris- ity to inclusive language is not tians and people of good will are an inculpable oversight. But the Arkansas Catholic | November 21, 2020 14 | OPINIONS
EDITORIAL Hate crimes law is long overdue in state e want to show our ledge said the lack of hate crime support for Gov. Asa legislation is "a stain on our great Hutchinson and the bi- state, and it sends the wrong mes- partisan group of legisla- sage about who we are as a peo- Wtors who plan to introduce a hate ple." crimes bill when the legislature e state would also collect convenes in January. hate crimes data for the Arkansas is one of only state and publish an an- three states that does not There nual report. have special laws to deal are even This bill couldn’t with hate crimes. South come at a more urgent Carolina and Wyoming more hate time as the federal gov- are the other states with ernment revealed this no hate crimes law. crimes week that hate crimes Most states prosecute rose in 2019 to their people who commit not highest level in a de- crimes against someone included cade. e sad thing is because of their race, re- there are even more hate ligion or disability di er- in the crimes not included in ently than other crimes. the report because many Hate crimes laws also report cities and states don’t deal with criminals who because report their statistics to GUEST COMMENTARY target victims because the FBI. of their gender iden- many e U.S. also had the tity, sexual orientation, highest number of hate- Postelection pledges: Civility, compassion homelessness or military cities and motivated murders since service. the early 1990s. Reli- fter months of anticipation honor human dignity through one of us. Help us to fast from dis- With no provision for states gion-based crimes were (some may say trepida- civil conversation. cord and feast on the knowledge enhanced penalties at don’t up 7 percent and anti- tion), the 2020 presidential ■ Civility: Pledge to recognize that you have created each per- the state level, the City of Hispanic hate crimes election nally took place the human dignity of those with son in your own image. Help us to ANov. 3. is year's Election Day, whom you disagree, treat others fast from fear of those with whom Little Rock passed an or- report were up 8 percent. dinance this summer to For a clearer and however, seems much di erent with respect and rise above at- we disagree and feast on the joy enforce nes and impris- their more complete picture than years past, due partly to the tacks when directed at you. community brings us. Help us onment for hate crimes statistics. of these crimes, Ameri- COVID-19 pandemic. Many peo- ■ Clarity: Pledge to root po- to fast from timidity when we in the capital city. Little cans need to feel it is OK ple had already cast their ballots litical viewpoints in the Gospel hear hurtful language and feast Rock also requires re- to report them, and all days and even weeks ago. and a well-formed conscience, on sharing the good news of our porting hate crimes to the FBI. police departments need to report One does not need to look far which involves prayer, conversa- God-given dignity. Help us to fast Hutchinson’s proposal would hate crime data to the FBI. Cur- to see how this year's election has tion, study and listening. from the desire to win arguments increase the penalty by up to 20 rently, the data compiled comes been tainted by incivility, vitriol ■ Compassion: Pledge to en- and feast on compassion shared percent for these hate crimes. Ar- from only 14 percent of agencies. and deceit. Even the forms of counter others with a tone and in understanding. Help us to fast kansas already has a law that deals We hope legislators don’t block communication, which seek to posture which a rms that you from assumptions and feast on with crimes against police o cers the bill from making it to Gov. inform and persuade voters, are honor their dignity. Listen to listening deeply to the stories of and rst responders. Hutchinson’s desk in 2021. Sadly, sprinkled with deceit. their stories with empathy and our community. "We are at the point in our his- some representatives have said Yet, Election Day will give way strive to understand before seek- "Lord, our God, be with us in tory that we must hold to a greater they don’t want a bill that protects to Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, ing to be understood. this time of hurt in our communi- degree of accountability those transgender and gay people. We 2021. ese days will give us time e "Civilize It" initiative of- ties. In our fasting may we grow who target individuals because of know crimes are being commit- to turn our attention to mending fers a prayer that calls for fasting closer to you. In our feasting, let where they were born, how they ted against people for their di er- relationships that may have been and feasting. Read and study this us nd healing. Let us turn to you worship or how they choose to ent sexual orientation and gender tarnished due to political dis- prayer in the coming days and as the source of our joyfulness and live,” Hutchinson said in August. identity in our state. Let’s do the agreements. months. Re ect on how you can our rst giver of love. We ask this Attorney General Leslie Rut- right thing, Arkansas. e rst reading from the Oct. put these words into practice: through Christ our Lord. Amen." 19 Mass from Ephesians reminds "God of all compassion, you us that our faith is what binds call us to love one another as you This editorial was originally pub- us together as children of God: have loved us, especially when lished Oct. 28 on the website of "Brothers and sisters: Be kind to we face division in our commu- The Compass, newspaper of the ARKANSAS CATHOLIC one another, compassionate, for- nities. Help us to see our sisters Diocese of Green Bay, Wis. It was THE DIOCESE OF LITTLE ROCK WEEKLY NEWSPAPER giving one another as God has and brothers as beloved children written by Sam Lucero, news and forgiven you in Christ." of God. information manager. It was up- www.arkansas-catholic.org In preparation for this year's "Help us to fast from incivility dated to re ect the election had Publisher: Bishop Anthony B. Taylor elections, the U.S. Conference and feast on your love for each already happened. Editor: Malea Hargett | [email protected] of Catholic Bishops launched Associate editor: Aprille Hanson | [email protected] "Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Production manager: Emily Burgin Roberts | [email protected] Debate." e initiative sought to Advertising manager: Pete Stabnick | [email protected] help Catholics to "model civility, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Circulation manager: Rose Harrigan | [email protected] love for neighbor and respectful Arkansas Catholic welcomes space limitations and clarity. Director of website and Internet services: Tara Little | [email protected] dialogue." letters to the editor on any Send a letter to P.O. Box 7417, Theological consultant: Rev. Erik Pohlmeier Whether or not you made the relevant topic. Letters should Little Rock, AR 72217, fax to ARKANSAS CATHOLIC GIVES VOICE TO CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH IN ARKANSAS pledge to model civility before be typed and no more than the election, it's not too late to (501) 664-9075, e-mail to Arkansas Catholic is published weekly (except the rst Saturday in January, June, July, 300 words. The letter must be August and September, and the last Saturday in December), by the Catholic Diocese of get aboard the postelection civil- [email protected] or submit Little Rock, Arkansas Catholic Inc., P.O. Box 7417, Little Rock, AR 72217-7417. An annual ity train and help heal a divided signed and include a daytime via “News & Views from You” country. subscription is $28; $26 for seniors age 65 and older. Free digital online subscriptions phone number. Letters will be on arkansas-catholic.org. are available at digital.arkansas-catholic.org. For information, call (501) 664-0125 or Here are the three ingredients edited for spelling, grammar, (501) 664-0340, or visit arkansas-catholic.org. to make amends with others and November 21, 2020 | Arkansas Catholic COLUMNS | 15
BISHOP’S COLUMN AMID THE FRAY Plan ahead and be ready for Second Coming What McCarrick ou and I live oil. So they ran o to Well, here we are now 20 at the end of our lives or at the in one of the buy more, but there centuries after Jesus' death end of the world. report means few cultures in were two problems: and we're still waiting for the When do these intermediate which people ■ e stores were Second Coming. By comings occur? Ev- Ysubject themselves already closed, so Matthew's time be- ery single day. Every for the Church to wedding rehears- they had to get the lievers knew that Je- Prior to time we encounter als. People elsewhere merchant out of bed, sus' return was being Jesus’ nal another human be- wo years ago, Pope Francis called seem already to know which caused a big delayed, but no one ing we encounter for a full accounting of how eo- what to do. ey just delay. dreamed it would return are Jesus in disguise, dore McCarrick was able to rise show up and the wed- BISHOP ■ More impor- have taken this long. whether we recog- through Church ranks, and he Tpromised to make the report public. ding generally comes ANTHONY B. tantly, their job was to On the other many other nize him or not — Some people disbelieved such a report off without a hitch. TAYLOR light the way, most of hand, look again. Je- comings of and sometimes he's But whether needed which — even under sus comes to us all very well disguised. would ever see the light of day. Others or not, the reason we a best-case scenario the time. e nal, the Lord for Mother Teresa once feared it would. have rehearsals is so that every- — would already have been tra- ultimate, end-of- said, “ e more re- On Nov. 10, Pope Francis kept his one will be ready when the time versed by the time they caught the-world coming in which we pulsive the person, word. The report comes for the wedding. up. glory for judgment the better Jesus' dis- is unprecedented, Marriages in Jesus' time were As it turned out, by the time is yet to occur, thank also must guise.” reading like no other a lot di erent from ours. ey they reached the boy's house God. If the world be ready. Jesus also comes Vatican document I were arranged by the two sets of with their lamps lit, the wed- had ended as soon to us in the miracles can recall. It is not parents and preceded by a time ding ceremony was over and the as the early Chris- of daily life: the birth clothed in dense of betrothal that lasted until pu- banquet was already in prog- tians thought, you and I would of a child, any time we pray, Church-speak or berty, at which time the boy and ress. And since all the guests never have been born and so the sacraments we receive, the vague references his groomsmen went to get the were supposed to arrive in the would never have the opportu- Scriptures we read, moments of to misdeeds. It is at girl to escort her and her fam- procession, the bouncers at the nity to live forever with God in insight and discovery, moments times graphic and GREG ily to his home for the wedding. door didn't even let them in. heaven — or be exposed to the of shame and repentance, mo- always revealing. is is the background to the Jesus' point is that un- risk of going to hell. is delay is ments of fear and faith and hope. As a whole, it is a ERLANDSON parable in today's Gospel. Most like these ve foolish girls, we because God loves us. So thank If we keep our lamps lit and devastating portrait weddings took place after dark should think ahead and always God for the delay. It gives us a our eyes open, we will be ready of personal deception and institutional and the main job of the brides- be ready for his return because chance to go to heaven. to welcome Jesus our bride- blindness, of opportunities missed and maids was to light the way for we don't know when it will be. Moreover, prior to Jesus' - groom coming to us every single faith shattered. the wedding procession. By the 80s A.D. when Matthew nal return are many other com- day, which includes also the last For those of us who have experience In today's Gospel, the groom wrote his Gospel — 50 years af- ings of the Lord for which we day of his nal return, at which with Vatican documents and Vatican arrived very late and like teen- ter Jesus' death — it was already also must be ready. Indeed, point, like the wise virgins in our investigations, the report is amazing agers anywhere, half the brides- clear that the Second Coming if we miss these intermediate Gospel, we will go with him right in its e orts to be transparent. At 449 maids were irresponsible and would not be as soon as they comings, we probably won't be into the wedding feast and share pages, the report is exhaustive and at didn't bring any extra oil. When had thought and with this de- ready for Jesus' nal coming ei- fully in the heavenly banquet he times exhausting. Not only were more word came that the groom - lay came the danger that people ther. has prepared for us. than 90 interviews conducted, but ex- nally was on his way, the ve ill- would start to let things slide But if we are ready for Jesus' tensive quotations from relevant Vati- prepared bridesmaids couldn't and so not be ready when at last other comings, we will be ready Bishop Anthony B. Taylor deliv- can correspondence and documents keep their lamps lit for lack of he came. for his nal coming too, whether ered this homily Nov. 8. reveal the internal back and forth be- tween individuals and o ces. REAL LOVE ere are heroes to be found, even in the unsettling story of how McCar- rick rose through the ranks despite persistent rumors that he was sharing
Open letter to the curly-hair Facebook group administrator his bed with seminarians and priests. ear Admin, ber piped in. She told for other young women like you. O cial Party Line. Jews? Chris- Cardinal John J. O'Connor, for one. He As you may me that nobody in the I feel badly that, in whatever ed- tians? Gays? Millionaires? Just not only raised his concerns, he did so recall, I’m a group would ever do ucation you received, you were decree that they are “evil per- in writing, trying to stop McCarrick's member — oops, that because Donald led to believe that name calling, soni ed.” ascendancy to the cardinalate see of DWAS a member — of Trump is “evil person- baseless accusations, appeals to But let’s get back to the here Washington. your Facebook group i ed.” emotion and ultimately “cancel- and now. It’s your page and More courageous still were the vic- “2B - 3A Curls.” It’s the We went back and ing” opposing viewpoints are you’ve got every right to con- tim survivors who tried to speak up, the group where we talked forth a few times. I re- the equivalent of making an in- trol the membership and the mother who sought to protect her chil- about styling tips for mained calm, didn’t telligent argument for your posi- content. Hey, I’ve dropped a dren, the counselors who warned of the wavy hair. I’ve enjoyed MARY BETH defend President tion. few people from my Facebook allegations they were hearing. the advice about gels, BONACCI Trump but explored is will not help you grow, page too. But it was generally Unfortunately, the lasting impres- mousses and di users, the one sidedness of or learn or function in a world of because either they were rude sion is that those who wanted to raise and even weighed in a the group’s apparent diverse opinions. to my friends with dissenting concerns were not listened to, and ru- few times on the great plopping policy. (A group, let me remind is is what happens when viewpoints, or they tried to turn mors were dismissed rather than inves- vs. scrunching debate. you again, that is dedicated to you can’t intelligently defend non-political posts into political tigated thoroughly. But it all came screeching to discussing hair.) your viewpoint. You wind up arguments. Or both. I never ob- e sin of abuse, the sin of cover- a halt today. Next thing I knew I was re- fearing other viewpoints. So ject to respectful disagreement. ing up or ignoring the abuse will not You posted a congratulatory moved. And blocked. All for ask- you need to neutralize them And I’ve never allowed a certain disappear with this report. Pope Fran- message to Joe Biden. at got ing why you allowed one politi- somehow. If not through per- type of speech — i.e. political cis, who himself failed to meet his own some pushback, given that it’s cal point of view to be expressed, suasion, then through intimida- speech — from one side but not standards in places like Chile, knows a page about hair, not national but not another. tion or force. Don’t let them talk. the other. the challenge. politics. I posted a comment, Look, I don’t mind getting the Shame them, call them names, Finally, Admin, I would He must continue to press for ac- simply asking it we could keep boot. I’ve got the curly hair thing admonish them for hurting your strongly encourage you to nd countability and transparency without politics o the page. Oddly, my down by now. But you dumped infallible feelings. an objective study of America’s fear or favor, and both laity and clergy comment disappeared. So I me before I got a chance to say It’s a lot easier to silence founding. And the history of tyr- must continue to press for reform and posted it again, while also ask- a few things that I’d like to say someone, to negate their rights anny, with perhaps an emphasis renewal. ing what would happen if some- now. to speech and free assembly on the 20th century. And, for body posted to congratulate It’s not about Trump. It’s and to free association, if they good measure, the free speech Greg Erlandson, director and editor-in- Donald Trump on his four years about civil discourse. are “evil personi ed.” Every ty- movement of the 1960s. chief of Catholic News Service, can be as president. I want to start by saying that I rannical society vili es those Because what you don’t reached at gerlandson@catholicnews. at’s when another mem- feel really, truly bad for you and they consider a threat to the know can hurt you. com. Arkansas Catholic | November 21, 2020 16 | NATION
CNS / Bob Roller A woman and man join hands during the Our Father during Mass at Jesus the Divine Word Catholic Church in Huntingtown, Md., Feb. 1. Catholic churches among most racially diverse congregations Baylor University study shows 23 percent of Catholic churches are multiracial, up from 17 percent in 1998 We invite you because we are convinced of the necessity By Mark Pattison parishes refused to register would-be mem- to continue the ministry of love and reconciliation in the Catholic News Service bers if they did not live within them — may church and in the world. also aid in congregational diversity, accord- WASHINGTON — U.S. Catholics lead all ing to Dougherty. When we accept the abundant love of Jesus and respond Christian faiths in the percentage of racially "It's exactly that model of parish ministry diverse congregations in their parishes, ac- that is not really the province of Protestants. to His Sacred Heart with open hearts of our own, we are cording to a new study published by Baylor As the American neighborhood has become called to ask: “What more can I do?” University. more racially mixed, the Catholic churches "Catholic churches on average continue that serve those neighborhoods as a by- There are many ways, through prayer, gifts and action, to be more diverse than Protestant churches product have taken on more diversity much you can help to share the love of the Sacred Heart. with 23 percent multiracial, up from 17 per- more quickly than Protestant churches do," cent" in 1998, when churches were rst sur- he said. veyed, the study said. By comparison, "in a typical southern ARE YOU CALLED? e reason: "largely white congregations Texas town, the Baptist church next to your that are gaining more color," the study's house isn't necessarily the one you're gong to The Priests of the Sacred Heart (SJC) are priests and author, Kevin Dougherty, an associate pro- attend. You're going to drive across town," he brothers called to live, pray and work together, sharing fessor of sociology at Baylor University in said. "Subconsciously, part of that is racial. Waco, Texas, said in a Nov. 13 phone inter- "Church shopping among Protestants the love of the Sacred Heart in our lives and ministry. view with Catholic News Service. has led to a hyper-segregation in a way that "In fact, that's one of the conclusions of historically hasn't been true in the Catholic the article," he said. "Although we do see an parish-church model." increase in the number of multiracial con- Baylor itself recently shifted the sponsor- gregations, it seems to be a one-way street." ship of the school from the Southern Baptist By way of comparison, just 1 percent of Convention — which had to deal with its PRIESTS OF THE SACRED HEART Black Protestant congregations reported own legacy of racism amid calls for a name growing more racially diverse since 1998, change to further put that history in the according to the study. past — to the General Baptist Convention 1-800-609-5559 Find us on Facebook Although studies do not exist for of Texas. churches in other nations, few of them have Dougherty told CNS, "From prior re- www.dehoniansusa.org [email protected] the racial and ethnic diversity of the United search that I've done or that others have States, Dougherty noted, which would done, the reason that people join a multi- make it more di cult for Christian denomi- racial congregation, is a desire for diversity. Clip and Mail this Coupon to: nations in those countries to replicate the ere is something appealing about that." Vocation Central, P.O. Box 206, Hales Corners WI 53132 diversity the United States is obtaining in its Clergy may push their parishioners to congregations. be more diverse, but "the most successful Catholics may bene t from greater diver- long-term embrace of diversity is when it's Name ______sity because the faith is worldwide, he said. organically claimed by the congregation on " e Roman Catholic Church is a global de- the part of the laity," he said. "Otherwise, it Address ______nomination. ere are Catholic members just becomes a failed initiative from the top." in Southeast Asia and Latin America and Since 1998, the study found, the percent- City ______State ______Zip ______Europe, and their immigrants to the United age of mainline Protestant churches that States are bearing that religion with them are multiracial went up from 1 percent to Email ______Phone (______) ______and they try to nd a faith community that 10 percent, evangelical congregations went matches their own tradition." up from 7 percent multiracial to 22 percent, Paradoxically, Catholic parish boundar- and Pentecostal groups went up from 3 per- Date of birth ______Highest level education completed ______ies — which were once so sacrosanct some cent multiracial to 16 percent.